Jacob A. Blum

Lipoproteins modulate the uptake and biological functionof cationic cell-penetrating peptides across the animal lineage.

This study identifies lipoprotein-mediated endocytosis as a conserved mechanism for cationic cell-penetrating peptides across animal lineages, showing it modulates their antimicrobial function.

A consensus spinal cord cell type atlas across mouse, macaque, and human

The paper creates a cross-species spinal cord cell type atlas integrating data from mouse, macaque, and human, identifying conserved and species-specific features.

An emergent disease-associated motor neuron state precedes cell death in a mouse model of ALS

The paper identifies a disease-associated motor neuron state in a mouse ALS model that precedes cell death and links it to human ALS genetic risk factors.

Human motor neurons are rare and can be transcriptomically divided into known subtypes

The paper analyzes single-nucleus RNA-seq data from human spinal cord neurons, identifies motor neurons as rare, and highlights discrepancies with a prior study due to potential misclassification of cholinergic debris.

A molecular atlas of adult C. elegans motor neurons reveals ancient diversity delineated by conserved transcription factor codes

The paper creates a molecular atlas of adult C. elegans motor neurons, identifying 29 subclasses defined by transcription factor and neuropeptide codes, and shows conservation between C. elegans and mice.

General and cell-type-specific aspects of the motor neuron maturation transcriptional program

The paper maps gene expression and chromatin accessibility changes in mouse spinal motor neurons during maturation, revealing dynamic regulatory elements and shared transcription factor motifs.

Small molecule v-ATPase inhibitor Etidronate lowers levels of ALS protein ataxin-2

The paper identifies Etidronate, an FDA-approved drug, as a method to lower ataxin-2 levels in neurons using a CRISPR screen and validates its efficacy in mice.

Single-cell transcriptomic analysis of the adult mouse spinal cord

This study profiles single-nucleus transcriptomes of adult mouse spinal motor neurons to identify transcriptional subtypes and their functional roles.

Lhr and Hmr are required for sister chromatid detachment during anaphase but not for centromere function

This paper shows Hmr and Lhr are needed for sister chromatid detachment during anaphase, not centromere function, in Drosophila melanogaster.